Drought ends, conservation efforts in Wichita continue

WICHITA, Kansas – The drought that threatened Wichita’s water supply the two past summers is officially over.

Officials made that announcement Friday morning.

Cheney Lake, the city’s primary water source, reached full capacity in the early hours of Thursday.

The water level at the lake was 73 percent on July 29.

Earlier this year, the lake was as low as 58 percent capacity, forcing city officials to encourage conservation efforts through a media campaign, a rebate program and other measures aimed at extending the area’s water supply.

Officials thanked residents who participated in conservation efforts, saying water customers have used 20 percent less water (2.7 billion gallons) this year compared to 2012.

“We are very grateful for how strongly water customers responded to drought conditions and water conservation appeals,” Alan King, the City’s Public Works and Utilities Director said. “The weather has helped but residents made a major contribution to helping preserve Wichita’s water supply.”

King added that the water conservation program continues, because conservation awareness and measures benefit the community even when there is not a drought.

Conservation tips and information about the rebate program are available at www.savewichitawater.com. To date, 682 customers have participated in the rebates program, totaling $86,778.